Some statistics of my trip

Days away   86

Kilometres travelled     10460

Average fuel consumption  16.20 litres per 100 kilometres

Average fuel price    $1.37 per litre

Highest fuel price     $1.95 Seisa, Cape York

Cheapest fuel price   $1.17 Glen Innes, NSW

Average total cost per day - includes, fuel, food, coffees, tours, caravan park fees, vehicle service, incidentals.        $116.62

Mullaley Public School 125 year get together

A wonderful clear crisp morning dawned at Chris and Jacqui's farm. I had breakfast with them and their youngest son, Max. Chris was off to Premer to umpire on one of the grounds for the limited over competition. Jacqui was making cup cakes for the Mullaley School function. Max was on his motor bike for a short time.

I departed there for Mullaley at around 0830. My first call in was at the Post Office and chatted with Sue for a while. Then I moved down to the School.

The first person I spoke to was one of my former near neighbours, Brett, who was looking after the Rural Fire Service vehicle. There were several others there I knew. Then I walked into the school grounds.

There were familiar faces all over the place and most I had not seen since I left the area in 1996. The school had many displays including photos and work of days gone by. My sons featured in quite a few photos. 

As I walked around, I kept renewing contact with a lot of people among them were the two previous owners of the school buses that Andrew and Malcolm travelled on. Also, I came across numerous of their former primary school classmates. A lot of them have one on and excelled in their lives. One young man is a pilot for Careflight and is awaiting his posting while his sister works for the St. George Bank.

There was the launch of the book covering the time since the last major production in 1985. It was launched by Adam Marshall, the very young mayor of Gunnedah Council. He will go places. His father and his uncle and aunts went to that school. The local State member launched the cook book.

Peter Elith opening the capsule

Later in the day the centenary capsule was exhumed and the contents were opened and inspected by many. Andrew had work in the centenary time capsule that I had not seen and it was the first piece to be opened to the world. The capsule was opened by the principal of 1985, Peter Elith.

Gunnedah Pipe Band

The children of the school performed many items in the shed, that has been erected by the current government's spending spree. The children performed very well. As well as the children the Gunnedah Pipe Band performed during the day and was led by the mother of some of the children, Heather. She has played quite recently in Scotland.

When the official opening of the function was about to start there suddenly appeared from the south, a RAAF Beech King Air 350. This was organised by Malcolm to fly over the school several times, on a training flight. Malcolm was very disappointed as his aircraft was unserviceable and he was personally unable to do the flight. It was welcomed by a description of Malcolm's history to date. It was received by the assembled 480 people with much admiration. I was obviously very proud of the activity.

The day was so wonderful just catching up with those that I rarely see. The weather was as good as one could wish for. It made for a very memorable day.

I left Mullaley and drove the short distance to Gunnedah for the overnight stop. Tomorrow, I will catch up with some others I do not see very often before moving on to my sister near Tamworth. Then it is up to Tenterfield and home on Tuesday.

I guess I will not have much more to add, except for any unusual items I may add. So this will be almost my last post. When I get home I will add the figures, such as distance, fuel usage and consumption and any other relevant information.

Section of the gathering

John Kennedy, Bet & Richard Craig

Louis Hathway, Anthony Martin, James Murphy

Max Gavel

Max Tomlinson

Kay Benham & Chris Treagus

Hopefully, you have enjoyed the story of my time on this trip.

To Tambar Springs

The previous afternoon, I went to Lesley's farm for an overnight stay. I had a look around the farm that I had not been around for a very long time. It is looking fantasctic and probably the best I have seen it, as do all the crops and livestock in the area.

Next morning I was off and away for Premer. Many familiar faces there setting up for the annual Premer Cricket weekend where they play very social cricket and I think 7 per side and limited overs. They are having over 300 players for the 2 days.

I saw so many I had not seen since I left the area. A number of my former SES volunteers, Apex members and others from the community as well as meeting some that have come to the district since I left. A wonderful few hours.

Then I drove the short distance to Tambar Springs where I stopped at the Post Office/Shop and caught up with Ross, who was an agricultural consultant from Gunnedah many years ago. The operator of the Post Office, Debbie, I remembered from days gone by. Then another past Apexian, Ian, came in.

Finally for the day, I drove to Chris and Jacqui's farm for an overnight stay. They are great to spend time with. They were my immediate neighbours when I had the farm here. Again, much catching up and late to bed.

So another day meeting up with people from the past when I lived in this area. Today is the mullaley School 125 year celebration and no doubt some more old faces to reconnect with.

Around Coonabarabran

This morning was relatively easy pack up and no great rush as I was not travelling too far.

First up was a coffee to get me going.

Then I drove out to the Siding Springs Observatory. I had been here about 20+ years ago and noticed the trees had grown up preventing me from getting any photos to the east. It is very interesting to visit and the whole process is well explained.

After the Observatory, I then drove towards Coonamble tot he Visitor Information Centre in the Warrumbungle National Park. The building has been recently renovated and really blends into the area. It also has a lot of information about the area.

My next move was to return to Coonabarabran. It was almost lunch time so I had lunch at the Jolli Cauli where I had been having coffees. After lunch it was hitch up to the Karavan  and refuel before departing for points east and eventually to Tambar Springs sometime tomorrow.

To Coonabarabran

An easy day today with only a short drive from Narrabri to Coonabarabran.

I packed up very leisurely after I went for a long walk in Narrabri. It was quite cool due to a southerly wind so I walked rather than cycle. Luckily, the day improved.

After I finished the pack up, I left the Caravan Park and parked near the 3 Bean Coffee Lounge so I could have my regular caffeine intake.

Then I set off for the 1 1/2 hour drive to Coonabarabran on the busy Newell Highway. There is a lot of heavy traffic along with a lot of caravans. 

When I arrived in Coonabarabran I went in search of a gas strut that had been sent from the Kimberley factory in Ballina. One of the struts on the big rear door blew its seal at Goondiwindi on Friday so I have managed with just one working correctly. Anyway, I found it and then went to the John Oxley Caravan Park and fitted it before setting the Karavan up. That job took only a few minutes.

Later in the afternoon, I went to catch up with Hod who I had known for a very long time. He was the former Pastures Protection Board Ranger for the Coonabarabran region. I was a Director on that board for some years and became very friendly with him. We had a great time chatting about people and our families. Later on , Hod followed me to the Caravan Park to have look at the Karavan. While he was with me, a fellow traveller offered to take a photo of us both.  Finally, he left to go to a dinner.

So I have caught up with several old friends in the last two days. That is so rewarding to me.

Narrabri

Well, a very quiet day.

First up this morning I went for a long walk in the main area of Narrabri. The day started a bit cool but warmed up to be really nice. It was sunny again and as it was warm I started to feel good.

As I entered the main street, I was reminded that a fellow I was at school with owned the news agency. I was going there to get a magazine anyway. As I walked in, I saw Phil down the back of the shop. We had quite a long chat as it was about 15 years since I last saw him at a Rugby match in Gunnedah.

Along the walk I collected a few items from Woolworth's to get me home. I had checked around the Bravo and Karavan storage areas. I think I have just about managed to have the right amount of consumables. As I returned back to the Caravan Park, I had a nice coffee at the 3 Bean Coffee Lounge.

After getting back to the Karavan, I gave the floor a good wash and clean. I then chatted to some other fellow travellers. Then an old friend, Rod from Wee Waa, arrived. 

We chatted for hours during the day as we have not seen each other for quite a number of years although we often talk on the phone. After a while it was lunch time so we walked the short distance to the Narrabri RSL Club. The lunch was very nice and followed by a reasonable muggacino.

After lunch, which was along one, we walked along the street taking in some of the older buildings. One has been renovated and when it was being done the builders discovered some original work had been hidden. It has now been made a feature of the Optometrists practice.

We returned to the Caravan Park and chatted to several new arrivals before Rod left to return to Wee Waa.

So ended a day of catching up with several people I have not seen for some time. I am almost certain there will be more to come over the next few days.

To Narrabri

I woke up early hearing light rain still falling on the Karavan. This morning, I had breakfast with Andrew and Lucy before they left for work.

After they left for work, I started to pack the Karavan up ready for travel. It does not take long but all the cords and hose probably take longer than it takes to actually lower and secure the Karavan. 

Once they was done and the Karavan connected to the Bravo, I set off to refuel at the Freedom Fuel outlet in the main street. I noted that the price of $1.258 per litre was exactly 70 cents cheaper than fuel at Cape York.

Once refuelled, I went into a street parallel to the main street and behind the cinema to park. Then I went over to the Larder to  meet up with Andrew and his good friend Jay for coffee. Jay had his twins with him. It is school holidays and as it was showering, he was not crop spraying with his Air Tractor 802. After we had coffee, I say farewell to Andrew and Lucy, in her pharmacy.

My next destination was to be for lunch in Moree. There I met Patto and Deb for lunch at the Omega cafe. It is a nice cafe that I have been in several times before. It was really wonderful to see these two and share stories. They will be over in my home area in November for a wedding so I hope I can go cycling with them then.

After lunch I set off for Narrabri. I arrived in the middle of the afternoon. Once I had set up, I did the washing of the sheets and some clothes. I then put it all through the drier. It was still overcast here and nothing will dry quickly. While waiting for all this to complete, I chatted with the Caravan Park Manager, Col. He tells me that the traffic had been a little up on last year.  

A wet Goondiwindi

This morning arrived with the sound of light rain on the roof of the Karavan. It had been predicted and it was quite obvious last nigh that the cloud was building up. We were lucky to have our great flights yesterday as the weather would have prevented any VFR flying today.

The rain has been light but it has been falling all day. Luckily Andrew and Lucy managed to spread a large square bale of hay around their garden late yesterday. The moisture will soak through.

So we all stayed in bed longer than we would have if it had been fine. Lucy went for a walk to get some bread and the Sunday paper. I was aware of her as I had been out to get a couple of things from the Bravo.

A bit later, Lucy cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast which is something I rarely have as mostly I am away from home for bike rides. Soon after it was down to the Larder cafe for a muggacino and a social time there as many people drop in for the same reason.

Then back to their home and a watched a movie Andrew had in his DVD machine. That was something else that I have not done for quite a while. We all had toasted sandwiches for lunch.

The afternoon saw us all take a rest. I was reading my book and did not go to sleep but I know the other two did although Lucy was early up to do some pharmacy work and study.

I collected my washing from the "drying" room, which is a western bedroom. So that job is almost up to date. Only sheets to do in the next couple of days.

So the day was really quiet and I know both Andrew and Lucy needed the rest time as they have both been very busy.

A day around Goondiwindi

A late start today, for me. Anyway this morning was fantastic in fact the whole day was.

Andrew asked me would I like to go for a fly in his Piper Cherokee 235. My answer was obvious and away we went. We departed Goondiwindi airport tracking to the west towards Boomi / Mungindi districts. We overflew numerous clients of Andrew, who is an agronomist located at Goondiwindi. He was concerned for the crops of his clients as much land was being coverd with flood water from the Macintyre River. 

I have never seen so much water in this area let alone see some much green crops and grasses. They are having a magnificent winter and early autumn. Sadly some crop areas will be decimated by the encroaching flood water. The losses will include chickpeas and wheat.

As we flew around it was amazing to see all the irrigation dams full along with the supply channels. Everything is full of water. This will allow summer crops like cotton to be planted as soon as the ground warms to the required temperature to germinate the cotton seed.

A likely impediment to successful winter and summer crops is the very likely attach by mice. This often occurs following similar weather conditions. Already squares of graph paper, soaked in canola oil, are indicating a large population of mice. This is already causing farmers to order mouse bait to be aerially spread by specially equipped aircraft.

On arrival back at Goondiwindi, Andrew and I went for a muggacino at the Larder Cafe which is like another office for Andrew. So much is transacted usually by phone when he is there. While we were there he received a call from his good friend Clay requesting a flight to Maroochydore Airport so that he could attend a wedding at nearby Maleny.

We departed from Goondiwindi for a short flight to Clay's farm to collect him then took off for the Sunshine Coast tracking over the Oakey Army base and Kilcoy to the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore.  We passed over some very pretty farm land and also near the Glasshouse Mountains.After 1 1/2 hours we arrived and dropped off Clay. 

As we had not had lunch we bought some at a Cafe and included another muggacino for me. Then we back tracked to Goondiwindi taking slightly longer due to a slight headwind. We were in the air for a total of just over 5 hours today. It was wonderful to to see the whole countryside looking so green and lush. I just hope that mice and grasshoppers do not cause any problems for these people who have endured many years of not such good seasons.

On to Goondiwindi

A very relaxed morning as I only had an easy run of 200 kms to Goondiwindi from St. George. I showed several fellow travellers through the Karavan before packing it up.

Once packed up, I had to pass the Stevie Jean cafe! So I had a coffee before leaving town. Great coffee and service at this cafe.

I set off towards Goondiwindi and took a few photos as I went. The first one was a travelling irrigator giving a wheat crop its final water or trying to encourage the clouds to drop some rain.

About 3/4 hour out I came to Nindigully Hotel. This is not the first time here but it is always a good stop off. I had mylunch here along with a large number of travellers and a group who were giving their grandfather a 'bucks party' as he was remarrying after the loss of his wife some time ago and he did not have a party prior to that wedding. They were after the Road Train Burger that really feeds 4 to 6 people. They had received an email about it and decided to visit and see. I amsure there will be some un healthy people ther in the morning!

My lunch was about 1/10th the size of that Burger!

I moved on later and headed for Goondiwindi. Passing continuing good looking crops of wheat and chickpeas. As I moved closer to Goondiwindi, I saw more and more water as the MacIntyre River was in moderate flood level. There was a lot of water against the road but only one location where it crossed the road.

Finally I was at Andrew and Lucy's home and set up the Karavan outside their garage and not long after they both returned home from their jobs. We then went out for dinner at the Railway Hotel and met up with some of their friends.

St. George day 2

This morning dawned overcast, quite cool and a sprinkle of rain. I was slow to leave the Karavan.

When I did leave St. George, I drove out to the Beardmore Dam. Last time I visited it, in 2008, it was almost empty. It was nice to see such a large volume of water with it discharging into the Balonne River. It will ensure a full range of iirigated crops for the district.

I returned to the town by way of the heavy vehicle bypass road, one that I had not been on. As it was a little later in the morning it was coffee time at "Stevie-Jean's" coffee shop. They make a good coffee. Later in the day, I had lunch at the same place.

After the coffee, I did a bit of a walk around the CBD and took a few photos. These photos included the Jack Taylor weir that was on television earlier in the year during the major flood here. It was hard to realise that flood water was bypassing where I had been standing. The location of the weir is where Sir Thomas Mitchell crossed the Balonne River and named the area "St. George Bridge".

Later in the day, I went to Riversands Winery. It really worth a visit here and I have been about 3 or 4 times before. They are a business heavily involved in the community.

To St.George

Up early due to being a little cool in bed. A cool change went through during the night and so the temperature dropped. I only had a light cotton blanket on the bed. It will be different tonight.

Anyway, I was packed up quite early. About 0730 I departed and went to the BP station to refuel. Then it was on the way to Surat. As I drove along, I noticed a lot of new gas installations. There area between Roma and Surat is a known gas field area.

On arrival in Surat, I needed a muggacino. I had one in a Cafe that I have been into before and it was not bad at all. I had a bit of a walk around before continuing my journey.

All the way along today I noticed how good the countryside was looking following good rain in the past autumn and winter as well as rain in the last week or so. The various waterways mostly had water in them and some were even flowing. Most times I have been out here, it is usually dry and not looking very pleasant. So most crop enterprises ill produce good results with some luck.

About 1100 I arrived in the Kameruka Caravan Park in St. George. Set up did not take very long. 

Around 1230, I had a prearranged call from a former interstate colleague, Scott, who works for  Emergency Management Queensland. So we had lunch and a good chat about our lives since we last were together working. I also met the Southern Region Red Cross Coordinator who was with him.

After lunch Scott had to leave for Roma and I looked around part of the town and took a few photos around the town. By then it was getting late. So back to the Caravan Park and chatted to fellow travellers, as usual.

On the way to Roma

This morning I packed up quite leisurely and chatted to Tim and Joanne as they were intrigued by the way the Karavan packed up. About 0800, I left the nice caravan park in Emerald. 

My first stop was the coffee shop in the Centro Centre. I had a muggacino and raisin toast.  When I finished that I went and briefly said goodbye to Phil and Margy's daughter, Lucy, who is a pharmacist there.

Then I was on my way towards Roma. I passed by a lot of farms that are looking a picture and those with crops look really good. I have been through Emerald about 4 times and at about the same time each trip. This is by far the best the farms have ever looked.

The first town I passed through was Springsure. It is a typical service town to the rural enterprises. I do have a distant relative who has a CRT franchise there but I did not call in this time due to a bit of a time constraint.

Next was Rolleston which is only a village on the road junction with roads from Moura, Emerald and Roma entering the village. I stopped and had a short break then set off again.

My next stop was in Injune. Since I last passed through it has had some new businesses and buildings. There is a large SPAR supermarket on on corner while diagonally opposite is a Rural Transaction Centre with the Information Centre there too. It is amazing to see both buildings in a tiny town. Most seem to be fading away but not Injune.

Then it was on to Roma, a short distance away. Into the Big 4 Caravan PArk and set up in no time. After that it was down to the Chapter Bookshop/ Coffee shop. Then a quick look about and I returned to the Caravan Park and chatted with fellow travellers.

Emerald

No photos today

I was up and about early this morning as I had to get the Bravo over to Innovative Underground Transport. They were recommended to me by Jose as his company have left a major manufacuters local service centre and gone to this one. It is the neatest and cleanest service centre I have seen for a very long time. Their pricing was very reasonable and they even returned me tot he caravan park and later picked me up when it was completed. High recommendation for this company.

While I was waiting for the Bravo, I washed the sheets and some clothes and put it on the clothes line as it was anice warm and sunny day. I did some other little jobs and some reading.

When I collected the Bravo I then went to collect my raffle win from Saturday at Capella. It was at Ian's Engineering and Welding Works with one of the office staff who brought it in. It is 3 square dishes to put things like cheese and biscuits on. Quite nice and colourful.

By now I was hanging out for a muggacino so I went to the Centro Shopping Centre and had one. It was reasonable. Then I went to Caltex and refuelled ready for departure tomorrow. Now it was lunchtime and back to the Karavan for a sandwich and a read of my book.

Later, I brought the washing in and put it away. Then I went for another coffee at Kaesbie Gardens Complex It has a few businesses there including a book/gift shop. A nice coffee there which may attract me there as I leave tomorrow.

Then back and some reading before dinner and chats with my new neighbours, Tim and Joanne from Darwin. They have arrived here after being caught in Birdsville due to rain at the races. They said they had fun and everyone seemed to have fun, too.

So that winds up another visit to Emerald. Most of the following days until I get home is territory that I am very familiar with but I am sure I will have some items of interest and some photos.

Moving on to Emerald

Another moving on morning this morning with a relatively easy trip from Phil and Margy's to Emerald.   I had breakfast with them and finally I said farewell. My departure was about 0750. On the way in I stopped at the Coal information centre at Blackwater for a muggacino. It was not bad at all.

Emerald is the town that Andrew went to Agricultural College which is just on the edge of the growing town.  Emerald is growing quite rapidly due to the massive growth in coal mining in the region. It has a population of more than 11000 people and most of the infrastructure to go with it.

I arrived into the caravan park after less than 2 hours driving and set up fairly quickly. Several years ago I stayed in the same park. It is clean and tidy and quite a variety of people in here. 

After setting up, I then went to my friends, formerly from Ballina, for a long lunch. It was wonderful to see Louise, Jose and Madeline again. Much chatting occurred while having a lovely relaxed lunch. One advantage of being in this caravan park is that it is about a 5 minute walk to and from their home.

Late in the afternoon, I returned and chatted to Mal and Issac on Skype. Mal had just returned from the USA from a work trip. Soon after, I spoke to Lucy also on Skype. During this time I was doing some washing then machine drying accumulated worn clothes.

So a lovely day in Emerald.

A visit to the Capella antique machinery exhibition

An unusually early start this morning with a 0645 departure for the 150 kilometre trip to Capella, a farming town north from Emerald.

It was nice to be driven by Margy whil Phil relaxed in the back of the Landcruiser with me in the front. We passed by the communities of Dingo, Bluff, Blackwater and Comet before we arrived in Emerald. Then we went through the town onto the road to Capella.

The countryside is forever changing from rolling downs country to lightly timbered to miningmounds in the distance. This is in the heart of the central Queensland mining fields and almost anywhere you look, there are mines visible. 

Driving through Blackwater and Bluff, there are numerous 'dongas' that the fly in/fly out miners live in for the time of their shift. There are hundreds of them near the highway as you drive past.

Finally, we arrived in Capella at the exhibition. What a display and today was labelled the "International Tractor" day. I also celebrated the 60th birthday of the first Australian build International tractor. 

Among the collection of these tractors were 3 examples of International tractors that I had spent a lot of hours on many years ago. They were a W6, TD 9 and a TD 35, the latter 2 being crawler tracked. Remembering the tractors, it is a wonder that I am not totally deaf and have a damaged back as well. Noise and lack of seat suspension were features of these tractors. We did not know any better then.

Among other static exhibits that I had been driving for many hours were an LA Case tractor and a famous TED series grey Ferguson tractor. A lot of memories there.

There was an amazing display of stationary engines of all makes like Hornby, Lister, Southern Cross and Cooper. There were many others too. All the exhibits are working and were running. The tractors were also mostly going. Some of the engines and tractors have been fully restored, some partially and some not yet.

I really enjoyed the day there and met some nice people with similar interest including some of Phil and Margy's friends. On the way back I also met their eldest daughter, Lucy, who is a pharmacist in Emerald. On our arrival back at Eldeebar, there was a phone message for me to say I had won the raffle at the Capella exhibition. It is a savoury platter and dishes apparently and I will collect it in Emerald on Monday.

So a very interesting and memorable day not only seeing the machinery but also the countryside to and from Capella.